Furman Beats Jacksonville 78-69 in Non-League Game

Furman defeated Jacksonville 78-69 in a strong performance led by Charles Johnston, who scored 25 points and helped execute a critical 14-0 run that left Jacksonville scoreless for nearly seven minutes in the second half. The Paladins improved to 3-0 on the season, marking their best start since 2020-21, while Jacksonville fell to 1-2, struggling with their shooting at just 36.9% from the field. Furman's effective defense and balanced scoring, including contributions from PJay Smith Jr. and Tom House, proved pivotal in the victory. Jacksonville's Robert McCray was the standout for the Dolphins with a game-high 26 points. Both teams are gearing up for their next matchups, with Furman facing Tulane and Jacksonville hosting South Carolina State. The game showcased Furman's promising start to the season amid Jacksonville's ongoing challenges in offensive execution.